Dr. Matt Springer | Forestry and Natural Resources

Dr. Matt Springer Episodes

From The Woods Today - Winter Insect Survival

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we explain how insects avoid cold temperatures and return the next year to start their life cycles over again. Dr. Matt Springer also joins us to discuss wildlife and their adaptations and other neat tricks that allow them to survive the winter.

From The Woods Today - Invasive Species Given to Others

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we explore that while we seem to encounter a new invasive species every week, the US has also donated many species to other nations. Join us to learn which of our native species are causing headaches elsewhere.

From the Woods Today - World Rivers Day

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we celebrate the world’s waterways for World Rivers Day. We also have segments on river otters and Kentucky maple syrup production

From the Woods Today - Climate: Science, Education, & Communication

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we explore some sources of climate-related data and opportunities for learning more about our changing world. We also have a segment on hummingbirds, as well as our monthly Pesky Plant highlight.

From the Woods Today - Timber Treatments for Birds

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss how different timber management regimes affect Kentucky's native bird species. We also have a segment about food plots for wildlife.

From the Woods Today - Wildlife Diseases

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Springer gives a brief overview of some common wildlife diseases. We also have our Wildlife Sounds segment, as well as some more information about the upcoming 2023 Kentucky Woodland Owners Short Course.

From the Woods Today - All Things Earthy!

It's Earth Day! Join us on this episode of From the Woods Today as we dive into the origins of Earth Day and activities viewers can participate in to celebrate. We also have members of the UK Forestry Extension team to discuss key components such as water, soil, wildlife, and native plants and how they play a critical role in Earth's ecosystems.

From the Woods Today - Just a Pile of Rocks?

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we answer the question: "what is that pile of rocks?" Join Dr. Gwynn Henderson as she discusses the key characteristics archaeologists use when they try to figure out the identity of a “pile of rocks.” We also have a segment about National Serpent Day and highlight some of our upcoming programs.

From the Woods Today - Invasive Species Management

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we go over how to approach a site-specific plan for invasive species management. We also have a segment on wild pig control and what to do if you spot any on your property.

From the Woods Today - Mushroom Cultivation

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we kick the new year off with a segment about how to grow and cultivate your own mushrooms. We also share some fun activities to participate in on National Bird Day, as well as discuss what to do with your old Christmas tree.

From the Woods Today - The Future of White Oak

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Jeff Stringer discusses how white oaks are not regenerating at levels necessary to maintain healthy and diverse forests and what that means for our future decades to come. We also have a segment on how barrels are made, as well as a third segment about how white oak plays a vital role for wildlife.

From the Woods Today - Leeches and Other Lore

This episode of From the Woods Today is a Halloween Special. Join us as we tell the tales about creepy things in the forest including leeches, burying beetles, vampire bats, zombie fungus, and more!

From the Woods Today - How Insects Find Food

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Jonathan Larson joins us to talk about what insects can smell with their antennae and how they use that to find the things they want to eat. We also have a discussion about what Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is, how it spreads, and where it's found, as well as our Tree of the Week segment.

From The Woods Today - Prescribed Fire

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss prescribed fire and why it's used. We also take you through what a forest management plan looks like and why landowners should have one. Lastly, we celebrate Woods & Wildlife for Your Wallet, a forestry event that has grown into one of the largest forestry and wildlife educational events in Kentucky.

From The Woods Today - Kentucky Wildflowers

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Eric Comley is back to show us some beautiful native wildflowers that arise in the spring. We also have our tree of the week, as well as some information about an upcoming predator workshop and a vulture research update. Don't miss our special announcement at the end of the show!

From The Woods Today - Invasive Species Awareness

It's North American Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW). Join us on From the Woods Today as we raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose, and what can be done to prevent their spread.

From The Woods Today - Woodland New Year's Resolutions

We often make New Year’s resolutions to initiate change in our lives. In this episode of From the Woods Today, we extend the idea of making New Year’s resolutions about your property and Kentucky’s woodlands and wildlife.

From The Woods Today - Wildlife Friendly Trees

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we discuss some trees that are beneficial to wildlife. We have a segment on Christmas trees, as well as another edition of What's Bugging My Tree.

From The Woods Today - THANKFUL

This week's episode of From the Woods Today is a Thanksgiving special! We reflect on and celebrate how trees, woodlands, woodland owners, and those who support them enrich our lives and world. We have our tree of the week and a festive mushroom highlight, as well as some information and fun facts about turkeys.

From The Woods Today - Pesky Plants

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Crocker shares information about another invasive species and how through some citizen science efforts we were able to slow the spread. We also have a segment on wildfire season in Kentucky, as well as a segment on deer collisions.

From The Woods Today - InTreegued Part 3

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we have the third installment of Dr. Muller's InTreegued series. We get to hear from Bill Knott, a chief forester with the Kentucky Division of Forestry. We also have a special segment on Autumn Leaves, as well as an update on the unexplained bird illness that popped up around parts of Kentucky earlier this year.

From The Woods Today - Kentucky Wood Expo

This week's episode of From the Woods Today is a Kentucky Wood Expo Special! Learn about this biennial event where more than 100 exhibitors will display everything from commercial and portable sawmill machinery to materials handling equipment, attracting key representatives from the nation’s largest wood products manufacturers.

From The Woods Today - Vultures

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Matt Springer gives us an update on the vulture research project here at the University of Kentucky. We have our tree of the week, as well as a segment about tree seedlings at the Kentucky Division of Forestry nurseries.

From The Woods Today - Hummingbirds

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we have an exciting show about attracting hummingbirds and the hummingbird festival hosted at the Woodlands Nature Station. We share some details about the Kentucky Master Naturalist Program and some of their upcoming programs. We also discuss how to get involved in our acorn collecting program.

From The Woods Today - Laurel Wilt Disease

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we learn how to identify Laurel Wilt and the Sassafras trees affected by this disease. We have our tree of the week, as well as a snake ID video.

From The Woods Today - What's Wrong With My Oak?

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Dr. Ellen Crocker goes over some common oak problems you might be seeing in your woodlands. We have an important update about an unexplained bird illness that has been popping up in parts of the state, as well as our fan favorite Tree of the Week segment.

From The Woods Today - Elk Research: Capture

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we share some information and footage from an ongoing elk reproduction and survival project. We also have our tree of the week segment, as well as a forest health citizen science opportunity viewers can participate in.

From The Woods Today - The Stories Trees Tell

In this episode of From the Woods Today, we talk about tree growth rings and the stories they tell. We also have our beloved tree of the week segment, a new monthly mushroom highlight, and a snake ID video

From The Woods Today - Maples of Kentucky

In this episode of From the Woods Today, Laurie Thomas gives a presentation on the characteristics and differences of the maples in Kentucky. We have a segment on timber prices and we also share some upcoming forestry and natural resources events.

From The Woods Today - Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative

In this episode of From the Woods Today, guest Cliff Drouet teaches us about the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) program. We also have segments on the Kentucky Master Logger Program and the Kentucky Logger of the Year. As well as another wildlife sounds video.

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